Life During The Holocaust: Corrie Ten Boom

The Holocaust was a dark and grievous time for millions throughout the world. It not only left lasting physical effects, but mental, and societal. It was during this era that many were forced to make a decision on whether to be bystanders, or to risk their own well-being for the benefit of those threatened. Though many turned their backs on the persecuted, there were several attempted resistance efforts. Secret groups were established all throughout Europe and several individuals were noted for illegally obtaining passports and ration cards. Worldwide, people risked their lives in an effort to help. One of these profound people was Corrie ten Boom. Corrie and her family played a large role in the Dutch resistance, saving hundreds of lives and

Every day they feared that they would be discovered by the German police (the Gestapo) and that their lives would be taken. But they took this risk. On February 28, 1944, a man walked in claiming that he and his wife were Jewish. According to his story, his wife was arrested and he needed money to bribe a policeman. Corrie agreed to help. This man, a spy, turned them into the Gestapo and the watch shop was later raided. That night, around thirty people were arrested, but the Jews hiding in the secret room were never found. The Boom’s were transported to several camps and prisons. Corrie and her sister Betsie were taken to Ravensbruck, with only Corrie making it out alive. Because of a clerical error, she was released a week before all the women her age were killed. Though she lost everything, Corrie maintained a grateful and forgiving perspective. Before her death on April 15, 1983, she traveled, sharing her story and preaching forgiveness. In fact, at 90 years old she forgave one of her tormentors. “For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did